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U.S. Bars 15 Chinese Labs From Certifying Electronics for American Market

Published: Sep. 29, 2025 12:01 p.m. GMT+8

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The FCC has recently denied applications from four more Chinese labs to certify communications equipment.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stripped 15 Chinese laboratories of their authority to certify communications equipment for the American market since launching its so-called “bad labs” initiative in May.

The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has denied applications from four more Chinese labs, including denying renewals for the State Radio Monitoring Center and a laboratory under New H3C Technologies Co. Ltd, the U.S. regulator said on Sept. 26. This brought the total number of labs targeted under the FCC’s “bad labs” program to 15.

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The FCC has revoked certification authority from 15 Chinese labs since May 2024, impacting U.S. communications equipment testing.
Chinese manufacturers now face higher costs and longer certification times, as they must use other accredited labs for U.S. market access.
The “bad labs” initiative is part of broader U.S. efforts to safeguard supply chains and address national security concerns regarding Chinese tech firms.

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Who’s Who

New H3C Technologies Co. Ltd: New H3C Technologies Co. Ltd is a Chinese company that operates a laboratory. The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) denied the renewal of certification for its lab, as part of the "bad labs" initiative. This action prevents the company's lab from certifying communications equipment for the American market.

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.: Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. was listed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a "threat to national security" in March 2021. This action was taken under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, as part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms.

ZTE Corp.: ZTE Corp. has been identified by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a "threat to national security" as of March 2021. This designation is part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms, pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

Hytera Communications Corp.: Hytera Communications Corp. was identified by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in March 2021 as a "threat to national security" under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. This action is part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms.

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co.: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. was listed by the FCC in March 2021 as a "threat to national security." This action was part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms, pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

Dahua Technology Co.: Dahua Technology Co. was listed by the FCC in March 2021 as a "threat to national security" under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. This action is part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms.

China Telecom Corp. Ltd.: China Telecom Corp. Ltd. was identified by the FCC, under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, as a "threat to national security." This designation was part of broader U.S. actions against Chinese telecom firms.

China Mobile Ltd.: China Mobile Ltd. was included by the FCC among major Chinese carriers listed as a "threat to national security" in March 2021. This action was part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms.

China Unicom: The article mentions China Unicom as one of the major Chinese carriers that the FCC has listed as a "threat to national security." This action is part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms, pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

Citic Telecom International Holdings: Citic Telecom International Holdings was listed by the FCC as a "threat to national security." This action was part of the FCC's broader campaign against Chinese telecom firms, pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

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What Happened When

March 2021：: The FCC listed Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., ZTE Corp., Hytera Communications Corp., Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. and Dahua Technology Co. as a 'threat to national security' under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.

May 2025：: The FCC voted to approve the 'bad labs' initiative, designed to block entities from China and other 'untrustworthy' entities from testing U.S.-bound wireless equipment.

After May 2025：: The FCC stripped 15 Chinese laboratories of their authority to certify communications equipment for the American market following the launch of the 'bad labs' initiative.

As of 2025：: 605 labs hold FCC authorization, including 162 labs in China.

September 26, 2025：: The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology announced the denial of applications from four more Chinese labs, including renewals for the State Radio Monitoring Center and a laboratory under New H3C Technologies Co. Ltd, bringing the total number of targeted labs to 15.

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